TLDR
- Roger Ver, who cut ties with his US citizenship back in 2014, is up against a possible century-plus prison term for dodging taxes and is seeking assistance from Trump to avert it.
- Elon Musk challenges Ver's plea for a pardon, pointing out Ver's choice to renounce his US citizenship as pivotal.
- Ver's accused of not disclosing his Bitcoin assets to the IRS, causing a substantial deficit of $48 million.
- Trump recently extended clemency to Ross Ulbricht, founder of Silk Road, after he served 12 years of a sentence that totaled two life terms plus an additional 40 years.
- Influential figures such as Jameson Lopp are aligning with Musk in opposing Ver's request for clemency.
Early Bitcoin investor Roger Ver faces a formidable challenge in his effort to gain a presidential pardon from Trump as he looks to avoid a hefty sentence stemming from charges tied to taxes. This situation has caught the attention of key tech personalities, including Tesla's Elon Musk, who has come out publicly against Ver's appeal for mercy.
On January 26, 2025, Ver took a stand on X, sharing a direct video appeal to Trump. In this personal message, Ver asserted, 'Mr. President, I am one of yours, and I require your help. Only your dedication to justice can come to my aid.'
Mr. President, I am one of yours, and I require your help. Only your dedication to justice can come to my aid. @realDonaldTrump pic.twitter.com/WhVTZ1M1GB
— Roger Ver (@rogerkver) January 26, 2025
This plea arrives on the heels of a controversial decision by Trump to pardon Silk Road's Ross Ulbricht, who endured 12 years behind bars with a formidable sentence yet to serve. Ulbricht's release has stirred discourse on the prospects of further crypto-related clemencies.
Set to head Trump's DOGE agency, Elon Musk issued an unwavering response to Ver on X, stating, 'Roger Ver renounced his ties with the US. No clemency for him. Privileges come with allegiance,' pointing to Ver's 2014 decision.
Jameson Lopp from Casa resonated with Musk's perspective, questioning Ver’s claim to American ties on X, 'You gave up being American. Recall the moment you withdrew your citizenship?'
Roger Ver renounced his ties with the US. No clemency for him. Privileges come with allegiance.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 26, 2025
The US Department of Justice charged Ver in 2024 for his failure to disclose his Bitcoin assets to the IRS, leading to a potential $48 million hit in tax revenue.
These charges led to Ver's arrest in April 2024 in Spain, confronting accusations of falsifying returns and dodging taxes, subsequent to becoming a citizen of St. Kitts and Nevis following his 2014 US renouncement.
Ver has consistently defended his position on his website, arguing that the charges are retaliatory. He alleges, 'I've been tormented by unlawful US agents opposed to American liberty for years,' labeling the tax charges as unfounded and politically motivated.
Author Bret Weinstein presents a different angle, suggesting that pardoning Ver might make a significant political statement. Weinstein posted on X that 'granting Ver pardon could signal that Biden's hostilities against crypto are concluding.'
Ver's case garners unique interest due to his significant contributions to the early crypto community, establishing himself before encountering legal issues.
His request for pardon follows Trump's trend of addressing crypto-related clemencies, notably with Ulbricht, but Ver's past US citizenship renouncement is a sticking point.
The DOJ's stance against Ver is focused on the non-disclosure of his Bitcoin assets while he was still a US citizen, believing it resulted in a $48 million tax loss.
Having obtained citizenship in St. Kitts and Nevis, Ver's previous US citizenship renunciation in 2014 presents notable legal complexities in light of these charges.
This case brings attention to the intricate dynamics at the crossroads of cryptocurrency, tax obligations, and citizenship; his appeal surfaces amid increasing IRS focus on crypto compliance.
Local and national law enforcement bodies persist in their scrutiny of Ver's case, unveiling new details as the legal scene unfolds. The DOJ affirms this case remains active, suggesting more charges may arise.
